The Japanese music showcase matsuri celebrates its European debut on December 14 at Outernet Live (London), featuring indie rock duo Hitsujibungaku, J-pop and Harajuku icon Kyary Pamyu Pamyu, and punk rock group Otoboke Beaver. The initiative is presented by MUSIC WAY PROJECT, a collaboration between the Culture and Entertainment Industry Promotion Association (CEIPA), organizer of MUSIC AWARDS JAPAN, and TOYOTA GROUP. Tickets are already available via Live Nation.
matsuri’s goal is to create new opportunities for Japanese artists, featuring Japanese performers with international appeal. Its inaugural edition, matsuri ’25: Japanese Music Experience LOS ANGELES, took place in Los Angeles in March 2025, with Ado, ATARASHII GAKKO!, and YOASOBI, marking an important milestone in the project.
Hitsujibungaku, composed of Moeka Shiotsuka (vocals and guitar) and Yurika Kasai (bass), reached worldwide renown with their track “more than words,” the ending theme of Jujutsu Kaisen Shibuya Incident Arc. The song has surpassed 200 million streams worldwide and received Platinum certification from the Recording Industry Association of Japan. The band has also performed other anime theme songs for The House of the Lost on the Cape, The Heike Story, Oshi no Ko Season 2, and Secrets of the Silent Witch. Recently, they announced their collaboration with the upcoming anime Inherit the Winds.
Since her major-label debut in 2011, Kyary Pamyu Pamyu has completed five world tours, attracting international attention. She was selected by Lady Gaga for her International Women’s Day playlist, Women of Choice (2020), performed at Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival (2022) and appeared alongside Katy Perry at the TRUE COLORS FESTIVAL (2022). This year, Kyary Pamyu Pamyu also performed for the second time at the French convention Japan Expo Paris.
The artist commented on matsuri’s announcement:
“I’m so excited to be performing in London again for the first time in a year! I’m especially looking forward to sharing the stage this time with such a wonderfully diverse group of Japanese female artists, each with their own unique character and style. I’ll give it everything I’ve got to share the magic of Japanese music with everyone in London!”
Formed in 2009 at a university music club in Kyoto, Otoboke Beaver has appeared at major international festivals including Glastonbury, Coachella, Lollapalooza, and they even joined Red Hot Chili Peppers on their US tour. In 2025, the group supported Green Day, Jack White, Foo Fighters, and Oasis during their respective performances in Japan. This year, Otoboke Beaver welcomed new drummer Leo (Emi), formerly of Shonen Knife, marking a new chapter for the band.
Otoboke Beaver also commented on the announcement:
“Hello! We’re OTOBOKE BEAVER from Japan! We’re honored and excited to be asked to play matsuri LONDON. We’re traveling all the way to London especially for this event, and we look forward to seeing everyone there. See you under the mirror ball!”
About MUSIC WAY PROJECT
Through collaboration and the creation of new opportunities, MUSIC WAY PROJECT aims to support the next generation of Japanese musical talent, helping artists establish sustainable international careers and encouraging the long-term growth of Japan’s music industry. Guided by the vision “Japanese music drives the world,” MUSIC WAY PROJECT is committed to creating platforms and opportunities that enable emerging Japanese talent to thrive on the global stage.
About CEIPA
The Culture and Entertainment Industry Promotion Association (CEIPA) was established through collaboration between six leading organizations representing Japan’s music industry: the Recording Industry Association of Japan (RIAJ), the Japan Association of Music Enterprises (JAME), the Federation of Music Producers Japan (FMPJ), the Music Publishers Association of Japan (MPAJ), the All Japan Concert & Live Entertainment Promoters Conference (ACPC), and the Japanese Society for Rights of Authors, Composers and Publishers (JASRAC). The organization was founded to support the sustainable growth of Japan’s cultural and creative industries in response to increasing globalization and digital transformation. Its activities include initiatives to revitalize the cultural and entertainment sectors, develop industry talent, promote Japanese culture and strengthen the international competitiveness of Japan’s creative industries.
Source: Press Release
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